Volunteer searchers on Monday were able to corral and trailer a wild burro that was shot in the right ear with an arrow, after more than a week of the injured animal eluding its pursuers.

A team from Riverside-based animal-rescue group DonkeyLand was bringing the burro to the SoCal Equine Hospital in Norco for examination and treatment.

A team from DonkeyLand corralled a burro that had been shot with an arrow. Photo courtesy Amber LeVonne/DonkeyLand

The injured burro was first spotted in Reche Canyon north of Moreno Valley over the weekend of July 14 and 15. Several days later, Riverside County Animal Services Officers shot the burro with two tranquilizer darts, but it managed to elude capture.

“He doesn’t want to get caught. He doesn’t know we want to help him,” said Debbie Yocum, a DonkeyLand board member, in the midst of the search on Friday.

On Monday, volunteers spotted the burro and used panels to corral the animal.

The burro was still suffering from lingering impacts of his injuries on Monday, said John Welsh, an animal services spokesman. There was fresh blood in the area where he was shot, below the right ear, along with some swelling in his jaw and neck, Welsh added.

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An anonymous donor has offered a $1,000 reward for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of whoever shot the burro. Tips may be submitted anonymously by emailing dhorn@riversidesheriff.org or calling Riverside County Animal Services at 951-358-7387.

Sean Emery is a crime and public safety reporter for the Register who covers state and federal courts and criminal justice issues. He has worked for the Register since 2006, previously covering breaking news, the city of Irvine, the Orange County Great Park, and the city of San Juan Capistrano.